Island Earthship Build: It’s All in the Prep and the Packing

‘My Survivor, Island Earthship’ Build with Michael Reynolds

In BC, Canada

A 5 Week Photo Journal by Monica Holy

Camping, 5 weeks on a remote Island, with no amenities, and volunteering/working as Interns alongside Michael Reynolds and his crew for an Earthship build starting May 23 2011, will be an adventuresome challenge.

It’s All in The Prep and The Packing.

It’s tough organizing for a camping situation and trying to pack for the many contingencies that may arise. There’s usually a tug of war between packing light with only necessities, and the ‘what if’ monkey thoughts that put you in fear of having to do without in miserable conditions.

With the remoteness of this build,the length of this build, being on foot, lack of shelter, refrigeration, and store bought conveniences, I’ll choose to pack on the side of error where weight is concerned. Leaving the Island to get more supplies is not an easy option, whereas making the best of what you’ve got is your best option. Being wet, cold and tired leads to a miserable environment both physically and mentally. Not the way to spend 5 productive weeks on an alternative ‘Barn Raising’ of an Earthship.

As Intern Liaison/Den Mother for this build, I’ve done my best to gather all the ‘low down’ of where I, and all my fellow Island Earthship ‘Tribe’ of Volunteer Interns will be living for 5 weeks. I’m making my lists, checking them twice. Priorities will be shelter, warmth, staying dry, and not going hungry. Sounds simple.

I’m looking at all the piles of stuff I’d like to take, and wondering how I can make my gear work for me. Multi tasking, short cuts and paring down
is always a trying process. Anyone who knows me, will understand when I say leaving my stainless steel Espresso Moka Pot behind is not an option. Neither is not having Chocolate on hand.

Now that you can see where my priorities lie, you’ll understand why I’m turning my bike into a glorified Mule to pack in all my supplies. The wonderful side of having volunteers traveling from all over the world to take part in this build, is being privy to the wealth of experience from everyone. There will be a lot of pooling of resources. Ultimately, we’ll find just how rewarding it can be by making the best of a situation, with very little.

7 comments on “Island Earthship Build: It’s All in the Prep and the Packing”

Hi Monica. I’m in Burnaby and would love to come and help out a little. However, I’m not feeling comfortable with the terms that have been set down. Is it not possible for someone to just come over for a holiday and help out a bit without the “red tape” commitments. Money is really tight, and I just can’t justify paying the fee. It will take everything in my “mad money” piggy bank to even get there and back.

I’m a skilled tradesman with lots of hands on experience. I’m sure I would be useful.

Yes, this one’s a challenge. The registration fee is a one time fee, so if you attend more than one Earthship build with Michael Reynolds and Earthship Biotecture, it works well.

However you are correct, taking time off work, and just getting to this one is tough. Many people will be taking part in the ‘bare bones’ option, ferry by foot passenger, camping and pooling their resources. It’s truly amazing how everyone is coming together, cross country ride sharing, bringing extra food/supplies to share, and offering car taxi’s for the last tough stretch for those of us on foot.

I feel lucky to have both of Michael’s Canadian builds to be in my home province of BC, certainly cuts the costs there. Good luck with the info I sent you, you certainly would be an asset to this build.

I’m looking at the pile of stuff that wouldn’t fit into my Expedition Pack, and has to go on my bike…and really wondering how that’s gonna fly…or roll as the case will be. I’ve made as many ‘cuts’ as I dare, I’ve had too many experiences to do without certain items. This one’s definitely a challenge combining ‘packing in’, with working on a build. Not a hiking excursion…it’s a whole new world.

Have a great time and take lots of pictures to share when you get back….K?

Who knows, I’m not one to give up so easily. I may come out and visit for a couple days anyways. It’s a pretty small island after all, I’ll find you. If I do I’ll bring some treats to share. Maybe mid build when you’re all withering away to nothing….:)